CUSTOM WOOD GATES
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Built Not to Sag
Custom Wood Gate Installation in Metro Detroit
A gate is the hardest-working part of a fence and the first to fail when built carelessly. We build every cedar or pine gate on a braced frame for its exact opening, and hang it from gate posts set deeper and wider than the rest of the fence.
Braced, Square Frames
Deep Gate Post Footings
Heavy Strap Hinges
Drive Gates to 16ft
DIRECT DISPATCH PHONE
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Quick response guaranteed within 24 hours
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BUILT FOR DAILY USE
Why Our Wood Gates Still Latch Years Later
Wood gates sag for three reasons: a weak frame, a flexing post or undersized hinges. We deal with all three.
Braced Frame
Every gate is built on a Z-brace or full perimeter frame with the diagonal running up from the bottom hinge corner, so the weight pushes it square.
Racking resisted by design
Deeper Gate Posts
Gate posts carry a cantilevered load. They get larger lumber and bigger, deeper concrete footings than line posts, well below the 42″ frost line.
Oversized footings
Hardware Sized to Weight
Heavy galvanized strap hinges bolted through the frame, plus an anti-sag kit on wide walk gates. No light screws into face boards.
Bolted, not just screwed
Clearance for Michigan
We leave extra ground clearance under gates where snow drifts or the grade rises, so the gate opens in January.
Swings in every season
WALK GATE OR DRIVE GATE
Sizing the Gate to What Has to Get Through
A 36-inch walk gate handles people and a push mower. Go to 48 inches for a riding mower path, wheelbarrow or snowblower, and up to about 60 inches before a single leaf gets too heavy for one hinge post. Past that we build a double gate. Walk gates are faced to match the fence, whether that is dog-ear or flat-top privacy, shadowbox, picket or split-rail.
Double drive gates are two leaves that meet in the middle. One leaf holds with a cane bolt dropped into a ground sleeve while the other latches to it. A 10 to 12 foot pair clears a car or small trailer, and 14 to 16 feet handles a boat or RV. For wide openings we use 6x6 gate posts in large footings and three or more strap hinges per leaf. When a gate needs more structure than wood posts provide, see heavy-duty structural gate posts. All wood styles are on the wood fencing hub.
WOOD GATE SPECS
Walk Gate
Double Drive
Opening
Clear width
36″ to 60″
8ft to 16ft
Frame
Inside the boards
Z-brace
Full frame, braced
Gate Posts
Hinge and latch side
Upsized, deep set
6x6, large footing
Hardware
Standard package
Strap hinges, latch
Cane bolt, latch
Installed Range
Gate and hardware
$350–$900
$1,200–$3,200
HOW WE BUILD GATES
Planned First, Built Square, Hung True
On a new fence we place gates before anything else, because gate posts decide where the rest of the line lands.
01
Step 1
Measure the Opening
We measure clear width, check the slope the gate will swing over, pick swing direction and hardware with you, and leave a written price.
Swing path and slope checked
Hardware chosen on site
Style matched to fence
STRUCTURE FIRST
02
Step 2
Set Gate Posts
With the permit filed and Miss Dig 811 utilities marked, gate posts go into oversized concrete footings below the frost line and cure before any gate weight is hung.
Larger, deeper footings
Posts plumbed both ways
Cured before hanging
03
Step 3
Build, Hang & Adjust
We frame the gate square, face it to match, bolt hinges through the frame, set even gaps, install cane bolt sleeves and test the latch with you.
Even latch-side gap
Cane bolt sleeve set
Anti-sag kit on wide gates
Gate Already Dragging?
Many sagging gates can be rebuilt or re-hung on a new post. See gate realignment and hinge repair.
GATE STYLES
Wood Gate Styles We Build
Every gate is built for its own opening. These are the configurations we build most.
36″ Walk Gate
Standard side-yard access, faced to match your fence, with strap hinges and a gravity or thumb latch.
48″ Wide Walk Gate
Room for a riding mower or snowblower. Includes a diagonal brace and an anti-sag kit as standard.
Double Drive Gate
Two matched leaves for a car, trailer, boat or RV, with cane bolt, center latch and pull handle.
Arched Top Gate
A curved top rail or arched board line over a walk gate to mark the entry. Pairs with picket and privacy fences.
Gate with Arbor
A cedar arbor over the gate for a garden or front-walk entry, sized to match the fence height.
Lockable Hardware
Two-sided keyed latches or padlockable latches for side yards with pools, pets or stored equipment.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Wood Gate Questions
How wide, how much and how to keep it from sagging.
How wide can a single wood walk gate be?
We build single walk gates up to about 60 inches. Wider than that, a double gate puts less strain on each post and hinge and lasts longer.
How much does a wood gate cost in Metro Detroit?
Most wood walk gates land between $350 and $900 installed, and double drive gates between $1,200 and $3,200, depending on width, wood, style and hardware. Gate posts are included in those ranges on a new fence.
Why do wood gates sag?
A frame with no brace or a brace running the wrong direction, a hinge post that leans or heaves, and hinges screwed only into face boards. We brace the frame, set gate posts in deep oversized footings and bolt heavy strap hinges through the frame.
Can you add a gate to my existing wood fence?
Yes, often. We check the posts on each side, replace them with proper gate posts if needed, cut the opening and build a gate to match your boards.
What hardware comes on a double drive gate?
Heavy strap hinges, a cane bolt that drops into a ground sleeve on one leaf, a latch where the leaves meet, and handles. Locks can be added.
Do I need a permit for a gate?
A gate is normally covered by the fence permit. Adding a gate to an existing permitted fence often needs nothing separate, but we confirm with your city first.
FREE GATE QUOTE
Request Your Free Wood Gate Estimate
Tell us the opening, what needs to fit through it and the fence it joins. We will measure and quote the gate, posts and hardware in writing.
PREFER TO CALL DIRECTLY?
Speak directly with our estimating desk for quick questions or emergency repairs.
Braced frame and oversized gate posts
Matched to your fence style
Final adjustment and demonstration on site
Get Your Free Estimate
Quick response guaranteed within 24 hours
Online Booking Open
🔒 Your contact info is strictly confidential. We never sell your data or spam you.